Exempt benefitted new hires will have the opportunity to choose between the following two retirement plans:

One plan is the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia which is a defined benefit program providing a 2% factor for each year of service. TRS operates on a fiscal year cycle (July 1st - June 30th). Contribution rates can change from year to year and are adopted by the Board of Trustees of TRS. The maximum allowance after 40 years' service is equal to 80% of the average of two highest consecutive annual salaries. To visit TRSGA, click www.trsga.com.

The other retirement plan is a defined contribution plan. This plan will provide for investment options in three companies, TIAA-CREF, VALIC, and FIDELITY with immediate vesting. ORP (Optional Retirement Plan) operates on a calendar year January 1st - December 31st). Contribution rates can change from year to year and are approved by the Board of Regents.

Note: Prior to July 1, 2008, all benefitted employees were enrolled in TRS.

Additional contributions can be made to a voluntary retirement plan (403b). There are limits to these employee only contributions. Contributions are sheltered from state and federal taxes the same as the regular Teacher Retirement/Optional Retirement contributions. We currently offer supplemental retirement through payroll deduction with VALIC.